[JamieMcC]

  If you want more details then SEX.

+1 totally agree the BH Sex really is a superb amp, I am really enjoying mine. No worries about tube rolling either, new tubes are around $15 or less and reportedly are meant to have a life span of over 10000 hrs!

 

[TsukiNick]

I don't see how balanced really helps these cans.  I've tried running them off balanced sources, I have an audio interface and a balanced mixer and I butchered a cable for the HD650 and did a Dual TRS connection and couldn't tell much difference other than maybe a little less crosstalk

 

[Gandah]

  I don't see how balanced really helps these cans.  I've tried running them off balanced sources, I have an audio interface and a balanced mixer and I butchered a cable for the HD650 and did a Dual TRS connection and couldn't tell much difference other than maybe a little less crosstalk

I notice differences on my setup between SE and balanced not a huge difference like I hear with HD800, but it is a better presentation overall HD650 balanced

 

[mcandmar]

Better channel separation and better defined low end are the main differences. If you have the option, use it.

 

[hodgjy]

I'm willing to bet most differences between balanced and SE are placebo.

 

[potterpastor]

I've heard that if you run the HD 650 in balanced mode on the Sennheiser amp, the results are amazing, like taking your headphones out of the closet and hearing them out in the open for the first time

 

[donlin]

I've heard that if you run the HD 650 in balanced mode on the Sennheiser amp, the results are amazing, like taking your headphones out of the closet and hearing them out in the open for the first time

This is exactly my experience.

 

[hodgjy]

Try the same amp in SE and then in balanced. Then do it blind. Then I'll have more evidence.

 

[donlin]

I'm willing to bet most differences between balanced and SE are placebo.

Nope. With my LCD-3's balanced made a nice improvement but with the 650's it's the difference between a good and a great headphone.

 

[hodgjy]

Nope. With my LCD-3's balanced made a nice improvement but with the 650's it's the difference between a good and a great headphone.

 
On the same amp, or one amp was SE and the other balanced?  Because different amps would make a big difference.

 

[donlin]

On the same amp, or one amp was SE and the other balanced?  Because different amps would make a big difference.

Same amp. I've done it on both the Bryston and the Sennheiser.

 

[hodgjy]

Same amp. I've done it on both the Bryston and the Sennheiser.

 
Volume matched?  Because I'm a skeptic at heart, but this intrigues me.

 

[donlin]

Volume matched?  Because I'm a skeptic at heart, but this intrigues me.

As close as possible. I resisted balanced for many years but finally broke down and tried a Mjolnir and have been hooked ever since. For the 650's the Sennheiser amp is a double benefit because of the synergy and the balanced option.

 

[Gandah]

  I'm willing to bet most differences between balanced and SE are placebo.

Seriously it's so far from placebo even a Beats fanboy could tell..... hmmmm maybe not..... my goldfish could tell the difference, especially the HD800

 

[castleofargh]

Quote:

  I'm willing to bet most differences between balanced and SE are placebo.

from one good flat low impedance with enough power SE, to one good flat low impedance with enough power BA, I am totally with you. and I wouldn't tell people to get a balanced amp but just to get a good amp for your headphone, whatever the circuitry.
 
but from the same amp in SE and in BA, I have always experienced a good deal of change. that I attributed to the SE being bad, or a big impedance or crosstalk change. still, whatever the reason I also felt as if there were differences.